Dropping transmission... what equipment should I have on hand?

[jawn101]

I plan to try and pull the transmission to do some repairs and preventative maintenance. I think I've already got all the 'while you're in there' stuff covered as a result of my earlier thread on pulling the whole engine. I don't think I'm going to do that now, and have instead switched gears (ha!) to just dropping the trans, since that's my real focus right now.

Quick list, I plan to rebuild the linkage, replace the seals (front/rear/output shafts with flange sleeves, and a bunch of other o-rings recommended by Dave), replace the 2nd gear roll pin, make sure the 5th gear holding nut is properly torqued and do a clutch job, as well as a flywheel main seal to finally plug up the slow drip.

So, the question is this - what should I have on hand to make sure this comes out/goes in easily and safely? I have been looking at transmission jacks, and found this one http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/transmission-jacks/450-lb-capacity-transmission-jack-39178.html - it looks to have the lowest profile and a high enough weight rating for the job. But, its minimum lift height is just over 7" - so with the transmission on top, how high will I need to get the car to slide this out? Will a set of ramps be high enough?

Is this a job that would be better left to a transmission shop? :) I could show up with my box of parts and a sad face on and hope they take pity... I have yet to have someone who's not me or Clint work on this car while it's been in my possession, so it would be weird to go that route... is it ultimately easier to just pull the engine and trans as a whole? There's a lot more work involved but would it average out to be easier to do?

[Rich]

Quick list, I plan to rebuild the linkage, replace the seals (front/rear/output shafts with flange sleeves, and a bunch of other o-rings recommended by Dave), replace the 2nd gear roll pin, make sure the 5th gear holding nut is properly torqued and do a clutch job, as well as a flywheel main seal to finally plug up the slow drip.

Is this a job that would be better left to a transmission shop? There's a lot more work involved but would it average out to be easier to do?

No personal experience on this one. Did you check out the recent Wheeler Dealers DeLorean project, part 2? They go in for the main seal, just as you plan to, dropping the 5-speed to do it. On a proper lift.

Start at about 5m00sec:
Wheeler Dealers part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6rSuYigdKs&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL65EBD083B690A121)

You be the judge of how easy this will be for you. Or for your favorite independent shop.

You already have your while-in-there list put together. Am sure others with hands-on experience can add to the watch-out list around this. The video is just an overview.

-Rich

[Ron]

I have yet to have someone who's not me or Clint work on this car while it's been in my possession...If you have had good luck with this, read the manual throughly,repeat, and make a decision. I have found trans jacks without a lift are not worth the trouble much less the cost in most cases...steak and beer for a buddy fairs much better ;-)

[DCUK Martin]

Yes, I was going to say "strong arms"

[David T]

You can do the job with jackstands, a creeper and a floor jack. Once the car is up high enough you use the floor jack to take the transmission out. Requires at least one helper. Obviously easier done on a lift with a transmission jack if you can get access to one. Remember, it is easier to remove the transmission than to reinstall it so if you are having a hard time getting it out it is usually even harder to get it back in. It is a heavy unit too so take precautions so it doesn't get away from you and hurt you. You will need a pilot shaft to line up the clutch to reinstall the manual transmission. Should come with the new clutch.
David Teitelbaum